Flyer Offense Flat In Lindros’ Return

Eric Lindros returned to the ice for Philadelphia, but he didn’t bring the Flyer offense with him.

Patrick Lalime shut out the listless Flyers at Philadelphia on Saturday night as the Ottawa Senators won the season opener, 3-0.

Afterward, Lindros, who was out with a collapsed lung when the Flyers lost in the first round to Toronto last season, issued an angry prediction.

“Everybody can sit here and say contender this, contender that,” said Lindros, whose lone shot on goal came in the first period. “Unless we execute and pay the price, we’re not going anywhere.”

The Flyers were without Rod Brind’Amour, who has a broken bone in his left foot. He had played in 484 consecutive games, the longest current streak.

Phoenix 2, St. Louis 1--Jyrki Lumme broke a tie with a third-period goal as the Coyotes won at St. Louis in the NHL coaching debut of Bob Francis.

Tampa Bay 4, New York Islanders 2--Fredrik Modin scored the game-winner with 2:01 remaining at Tampa, Fla., as the Lightning won in Steve Ludzik’s NHL coaching debut.

Florida 4, Washington 3--In his first game back since suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament last March, Pavel Bure scored a power-play goal and Ray Whitney added two goals as the Panthers defeated the Capitals at Sunrise, Fla.

Detroit 2, Buffalo 0--Chris Osgood earned his 24th career shutout and Detroit got goals from Kris Draper and Tomas Holmstrom as the Red Wings defeated Dominik Hasek and the Sabres at Detroit.

Toronto 4, Montreal 1--Mats Sundin had a shorthanded goal and two assists as the Maple Leafs defeated the Canadiens at Montreal.

Carolina 3, Boston 1--Sami Kapanen and Kent Manderville beat Boston backup Robbie Tallas 1:20 apart in the second period at Boston as the Bruins lost an opener for the first time in 13 years.

Vancouver 2, New York Rangers 1--Kevin Weekes stopped 32 shots at Vancouver to earn his first NHL victory as the Canucks picked up their fourth consecutive season-opening victory.

San Jose 5, Calgary 3--Rookie defenseman Brad Stuart scored his first NHL goal at San Jose as the Sharks won their season-opener for only the second time in team history.